Building a custom home is one of the most exciting projects you can do in your lifetime. Before getting started, however, there are several important decisions you’ll need to make. If you find yourself wondering if you should choose an architect or custom home builder for your project, you’ve come to the right place for guidance.

We hope that reading this guide will help you start planning for your project so you’re one step closer to building the home of your dreams. If you’re interested in learning more about the luxury home-building process, we’d be happy to talk with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by calling 919-460-8550 or contacting us online. 

What Does an Architect Do?

Architects play an important role in the home-building process, as they understand the mechanics behind how to design a structurally sound home. When you hire an architect for your luxury build, there are several important things they’ll do for you. 

Develop a Design

For starters, an architect will sit down with you to listen to your wants and needs. From there, they’ll create a complete design concept that not only fits your ideas but also complies with local building regulations. 

If you already have a lot for your future home, they might also visit the building site to consider the landscape in their design plans. 

Prepare Construction Documents

After they complete the design sketches, they’ll prepare official construction documents and plans. This includes the specifications for the following: 

• Site, foundation, and floor plans
• Framing details
• Elevations
• Utility specifications 
• Etc.

Comply With Building Codes

Architects will not only make sure that any design plans comply with local building codes, but they will also give you guidance about how to move forward with your design without running into violations. 

Ensure Your Design Meets All of Your Requirements

There are a few aspects of your home design that are non-negotiable, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, how many stories you need it to be, etc. An architect will ensure that all of your requirements are accommodated in the design. 

Evaluate the Land

Finally, an architect can give you insight into whether the land you’re looking at is appropriate for your design needs. If they notice any concerns that could lead to issues down the line, they’ll raise them now so you can re-evaluate. 

Benefits of Hiring an Architect 

If you’re not sure whether you need to hire an architect for your luxury build, consider the following benefits of doing so. 

• They can help you save on unexpected expenses by carefully planning your project before construction begins and anticipating many issues before they happen
• They can create a well-thought-out design based on your family’s wants and needs
• They’ll work closely with your custom home builder to help facilitate a streamlined, low-stress building process
• They have knowledge about common design mistakes and they can help you avoid making them
• They likely know the answers to the questions you have about the design process, so they can be a powerful resource for you
• They’ll give you a more realistic idea of what to expect by giving you detailed drawings, design plans, etc.

Tips to Help You Choose the Right Architect for Your Project

The reality is that not every architect will be the right fit for your needs. In order to find the right architect, we recommend following these tips: 

Start with location: Designing a custom home is a personal experience. You should expect to meet with your architect multiple times throughout the design process, and it might be easier to meet in person. Even if you’re fine doing virtual design meetings, it can help to hire a local architect so they can visit your land in person as they plan your home design. 

Find a style that matches yours: Next, search for an architect that has a portfolio of designs that are similar to what you want in your own home design. If you love the outcome of their previous work, there’s a better chance that you’ll be happy with your own design plans as well. 

Make sure they have plenty of experience: Everyone has to start somewhere, but working with an experienced architect can help you have a better overall design process. In terms of experience, look for an architect who has designed homes that are similar in style, size, and budget to what you need. 

Here at Rufty Homes, we’d be happy to give you recommendations for architects, interior designers, etc. We’ve worked with many local professionals over the years and are here to give you our vetted recommendations as needed. 

What a Custom Home Builder Does

Now that you know more about what architects do, let’s take a closer look at the role custom home builders play in your project. 

Work With Your Architect

That’s right! Your luxury custom home builder will work closely with your architect during the design phase to ensure that it’s possible to bring the design to life on the lot you’ve chosen. In doing so, they’ll coordinate with your architect on how to build the design in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible. 

Keep the Build on Schedule

Once your design plans are finalized, your custom home builder will work to make sure that your build stays on schedule by coordinating workers and materials to make sure they arrive on time. If a delay does come up, they’ll work to get the project back on track and communicate with you so you never feel out of the loop. 

Oversee the Job

Your custom home builder is also responsible for bringing in the right subcontractors for the job and overseeing the work that’s done to ensure it meets your standards. The right custom home builder will also have the necessary knowledge to make sure that there aren’t any corners cut during your luxury build. 

Identify, Solve, and Prevent Problems

When you hire an experienced custom home builder, you can have peace of mind that they know about the most common problems that come up during a build. But, more importantly than that, they know how to prevent some of these issues from ever happening. When a problem does arrive, they’ll also know how to solve it in the most efficient way possible. 

Completing the Punch List at the End of Your Project

Finally, your custom home builder will evaluate your home at the end of the project, making a punch list of the finishing touches that need to happen before you move in. This helps to take the stress off your shoulders knowing that every little detail will be attended to. 

Benefits of Hiring a Custom Home Builder

When you want to truly build the home of your dreams, there’s no better choice than hiring a custom home builder like Rufty Homes. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of doing so.  

• They have the expertise on how to navigate local ad building codes and have a list of skilled subcontractors to work with so that your project goes smoothly from start to finish
• They understand every aspect of the building process and can answer any questions you have during the build
• They have a streamlined process in place to make the custom home-building experience a better one 
• They can help take the stress off your shoulders by acting as a go-between with subcontractors, so you don’t have to do as much work yourself
• They can help you find available lots for the home of your dreams
• They can help you come up with creative building solutions so your home has all the features you want and need

Tips to Help You Choose the Right Custom Home Builder for Your Project

Choosing the right custom home builder is just as, if not more important, than choosing the right architect for your home. Here are some tips to help you feel confident in your decision: 

Look at their portfolio of work: If you don’t like the completed work of a custom home builder, you probably won’t be happy with the final outcome of your home either. We recommend looking through a builder’s portfolio so you can find a good fit. 

Ask questions: Building a custom home is a big decision. Before committing to a builder, take the time to ask any questions you have. The right builder will be happy to sit down with you and answer them before starting on your project. 

Read reviews and ask for referrals: Finally, we recommend reading through testimonials from past customers or asking a builder for referrals to get a better idea of what it’s like to work with them from the people who know best.  

Should You Choose an Architect or Custom Home Builder for Your Project?

If you’re wondering, “Should you choose an architect or a custom home builder for your project?” we recommend hiring both. An architect and custom home builder can work together to ensure you get the home you’ve always wanted. If you’d like to learn more, please call 919-460-8550 or contact us online.